Our History

The library was founded in 1954, when the university was still located at the Abu Kabir campus.

The expansion of the university and the establishment of the Academic Institute for Jewish Studies lead to the foundation of the library, which later became known as the Sourasky Central Library. In 1968 the library moved to its current location at the center of campus.

Who was Elias Sourasky

Mr. Eliyahu (Elias) Sourasky (1899-1986) was born in Bialystok, Poland, and moved to Mexico at a young age, where he built his home and became a successful businessman.

In his youth Mr. Sourasky became active in the Zionist movement, and his strong support during the Israeli War of Independence had a notable impact on the State of Israel.

Mr. Sourasky was also well known for supporting research, science and education facilities in Mexico and Israel.

The Mexican government awarded him the "Orden del Águila Azteca" (the Aztec Eagle), the most distinguished honor given in Mexico for contributions to the Mexican economy, culture and science.

About the Library

The library is housed in two structures - the Sourasky building and the Gruss building (Wiener Library), the latter built in 1984.

The Sourasky Library's three story building is located in the central part of campus opposite the Gilman building and next door to the Diaspora Museum.

The library offers technical support (acquisition, classification, cataloguing) to its sub-libraries as well as several research institutions and units on campus.

The library catalogue is comprehensive and includes all books of its sub-libraries.

​We offer our services to students and staff of the Faculty of Humanities as well as the Faculty of Arts, assisting them in their respective fields of study, research, and teaching. The same services are, of course, offered to the entire TAU community.
​The library also welcomes students and faculty members from other Israeli Universities.

Visitors (aged 18 or more) who are interested in using the library's facilities and services may enter the premises upon paying an admission fee.

Our professional and skilled librarians are at your service during library hours, and will gladly assist you with all questions and concerns.

The Library Collection

We focus on developing our collection in the areas of Humanities and the Arts as well as several interdisciplinary fields such as History and Philosophy of Science, Gender Studies, and Environmental Studies.

Our varied collection consists of some 1,000,000 items, which include books and journals (both printed and electronic) as well as archival material (in printed and microfiche format).

Over 30% of our collection is in English, about 15% Hebrew, 14% German, 6% Arabic, and the rest in various other languages (French, Russian, Chinese, and more).

In addition to our main library collection we host a few special collections which allow for a more thorough and comprehensive research in specific fields. Some of the collections are located in the Sourasky building and others in the Gruss (Wiener) building.

We are using our resources to enhance and extend our collection so that it would best fit the needs of our clients.
Purchase recommendations from faculty members and students are always welcome and may be submitted via the following online form.

Study Zones

The library offers about 700 seats to its patrons.

You may choose between our personal and group study zones. There is a group study hall at the ground level, and three group study rooms with LCD screens each accommodating 3-5 students at a time.

Humanities and Arts students may reserve a study room using our online system.

The computer classroom may also be used as a quiet study zone when no classes are being taught.

Food and Drink Corner

For your convenience, there is a food and drink corner at the bottom floor, right next to the study zone.

It is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave oven, a mineral water bar for hot & cold water and a coffee section (Emun coffee corner), , all courtesy of the Students Association.

Exhibitions and Book Sales​

The library's lobby hosts exhibitions on fine art as well as other subjects.
In addition, next to the library's entrance you may find surplus books sold at reduced prices.